Duckhorn Wine Dinner at Chianina

Wednesday,  February 21, 2018

Very disappointed in this dinner. Gave it a C+. First we were sat at the last  table in the bar area which is next to the waiters station. All night long there was a parade of waitstaff, patrons going to the restroom etc., Marc and Judy got there first  so I was stuck .  March said he complained but I would have complaining a lot more.  If I had arrived first we would not have been there as I absolutely would not have accepted that table. They have a pecking order on table assignment the earlier you get your reservation in the better the table. The floor manager told me the list was lost in the computer but he would make sure that we would not have late assignment again. We made our reservations the same day they came online.

The dinner was sold out including dinner at the bar. When I arrived at 6:00 the parking area was packed. This is unusual. I am sure the name Duckhorn brought a lot of people out. That being said the wines were a huge disappointment. The Savignon Blanc was mediocre and the Chardonnay was way too oaky for my palate. The Merlot was decent and the Cabernet Sauvignon was the best. But at $110 for dinner exclusive I think they could have have poured better quality. The rep from Duckhorn tried to convince me that all "great" Napa wineries make oaky Chardonnay. Frankly I though he was an ass and ill suited for the job.

The meal portions were smaller than usual. Several people made mention of that fact. It did not bother me as I am a small eater but I can see why people who consume a normal amount of food would not be happy.

We had a waiter, whom was new, tried hard but he needs training. You don't set full wines glasses down at the front of the table and then reach over to set glasses down at the back of the table. Accident waiting to happen. 

We received our basket of bread and I did resist and only had one salted honey roll with marscapone butter. I can make an entire meal out of their rolls.

First course was Grilled calamari, shrimp, espellette pepper, celery and radish. Good flavors. shrimp was tender. A 2016 Sauvignon was paired. OK pairing but nothing overly exciting.

Next was a Roasted scallop, fennel, demi-sec tomato and saffron nage. Scallop was cooked perfectly. The wine was a 2015 Chardonnay. Way too oaky for my palate. took one sip and had them take it away. They looked surprised. Had them bring me a add to my glass of Sau Blanc so I could have something to drink with my food.

Third course is a Ricotta Gnudi with mushrooms, butternut squash and grana padano. Loved the flavor of this dish. A 2014 Merlot wa sthe choice. If you like Merlots this was your wine.

Main course is a Chianina (that is a breed of beef) New York Strip with truffled potato puree, roasted carrot (yes just one) and swiss char. I took one bite of the steak and had them pack it to go. I had dislocated my jaw Saturday night and chewing certain foods was a daunting task for me. And steak is one of them. 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon was paired. A good pairing. Nice wine.

Dessert was another big disappointment. I have no problem with a cheese plate for dessert but this had about 3 pieces of cheese which smaller than a dime. And they all tasted alike. No variation. Then to add insult they put micro greens on top. Just did not make the grade. A 2012 Howell Mountain Red blend was served. This was a good wine also.

This dinner just was not up to Chianina's standard. Have no idea why besides what I commented on.  Talking with people waiting for the valet to get our car I found several people had the same  take on the dinner that I had.